i would say that maya is very important for the architecture nowdays. it is not so much different from 3ds max, which is very often used for architecture renderings. but it offers a serious of - at least as far as i know - more advanced dynamic features, which are very important for the digital design methods (think of NOX, greg lynn etc..) - means it is great for organic and free forms.
now, since maya is not really meant for architects, there are unfortunately no tutorials made especially for architects, which makes it kind of a frustrating to learn this program - but you can look for books which focus on polygonal modelling.
many big offices use maya, so i would be careful with saying it's "dreadful" for architects ;-) I'm myself writing a master thesis in architecture now which is focused on digital architecture and especially on maya - the role of this software in architecture shouldnt be underestimated.
however, if you are building mainly "boxes" (not meant in a rude way) then there are surely more simple and above all cheaper programs. maya is everything else but really easy and fast to learn (at least not if you want to learn it really properly) but it offers very many possibilities.
maya was only in the very beginning focused on nurbs and free forms and had disregarded the polygons, which are more important for architects- in the meanwhile both features are very advanced and you can build great polygon models with it - also importing autocad files works perfectly.
also, i have realized that having some patience and going through a book focused on building a space ship helps a lot understanding of how to build your first architecture project i can really recommend the maya fundamentals series by new riders, i have the maya 4 edition and that one is focused on building a house (well a very cartoonish one but still and above all it offers videos for each chapter - means you dont really have to learn just by reading, but you can listen to the instructors and watch their every step on your screen.